Beneath the Skin: A novel

I received this book for an honest review.

This book would be a great read for all teenagers. It delves into some very difficult situation no teenager should have to go through. The bullying described in this book is severe and I hope and pray if even one teenager reads this book who bullies and stops when they see how much hurt it causes them this book is worth ievery read! Also, if any person going through the difficult situation this girl does in the book hopefully they will learn that's it's okay to open up and talk about it. I cannot give Kyla Stone high enough praise!

I enjoyed reading Beneath the Skin, although it was by no means a light read. The characters are multi-dimensional, and the storyline interesting and heartbreaking. The author does a good job of bringing these difficult topics to life in a realistic manner. Would recommend, but definitely for mature audience. I received an advanced reader copy of this novel.

This book is truly amazing, gut-wrenching and heartfelt. I love YA "issues" books, and this is definitely one. It also has some completely unexpected twists and turns. A gritty and dark read for sure, but well worth reading. Definitely recommend!

*I received an ARC copy and voluntarily reviewed this book*

Terrible. Terrible writing, terrible plot... and why is this a young adult book? Just because the writing is crappy and the required reading level is low? I have a daughter, and I certainly would not want her reading this garbage for more than one reason. This was a pick for my book club, and I wish I could get the time spent reading this one back.

Such pain and suffering in these characters! I was urging them to STOP IT. Yes, these are real people who have problems and hardship. The development of characters is realistic as each one deals with her own needs. They are strong people who finally achieve peace through friendships with others who are also flawed. The descriptions of feelings and events are beautifully told and pull the reader into the rhythm of the story. It is a great story.

Most of us have not lead perfect lives. The abuse we have experienced during our formative years can be devastating to our futures unless we have help, or very good friends, or both. This book is a story about a girl named Sidney, and the horrible sexual abuse she suffers at the hands of her natural father. Those of us who have not experienced this physical and emotional abuse should read this book - an excellent 5 star read by Kyla Stone, to see and try to understand the marks of abuse visible to others.

This is a desperately hard-going read, but an important one for young people. The plot is a bit of a misery-fest overall; any one of the issues mentioned here, from cutting, to bullying, to sexual abuse, to terminal illness, to fatal alcohol syndrome, to anorexia, parent-pressure and beyond could have supported an entire narrative in its own right, after all. A lesser writer would have left us depressed and listless at such a litany of terrible things, but Stone does a great job of comparing and contrasting the light and shade here. Sidney is a revelation: this honest portrayal of a young woman in turmoil is authentic and real and I really related to the anger, shame and despair Sidney goes through. So often YA books focus on quieter female lead characters, but Sidney is a blazing trail of in-your-face attitude. Her sarcasm, suspicion and sometimes outright cruelty is totally understandable and really well drawn. We see her softer side with her brothers and her learning to trust Lucas and Arianna was really quite beautiful. The author says she has some experience of the issues mentioned here, both herself and by proxy and so do I, so I want to be clear when I say I think this book does this element particularly well and the author should be commended. I also love that she included resources for kids in trouble at the back of the book. I know half a dozen teens who should read this book and I will be recommending it to them. I will also read more from Stone, I'm sure - she's a great writer and her compassion for young people shines from the page.

WOW! The gripping story of Sidney, a senior in high school, two younger brothers, and alcoholic mom and an egotistical abusive dad. Sidney has hardened her heart and emotions to help her endure the torture, shame and pain inflicted on her by her fatheŕ. She pushed everyone away.
What is so amazing is a school counselor who pairs her up with Arianna, another troubles teen. His insight and patience is amazing. This story will hold you spellbound as Sidney reaches the bottom and works her way back. Your heart will be moved.

This book brought out so many emotions in me. Fear, sorrow, anger, the entire range. This was a girl who was in such a dark place there was no breathing room. She was bullied, had no friends and her family was, well let's just say, unavailable and overpowering. I hope this book finds it's way to victims of abuse everywhere.

I received an arc for a voluntary review

If you’ve ever wondered why someone stays in an abusive relationship and what makes the abuser abusive this read will give you a glimpse of both the dark side and the positive. Sidney makes a great heroine showing us how love aids in her emotional growth. I also liked the way the author dealt with bullying. I received this as an advanced reader copy